Lift curbs on news websites, Editors Guild tells India, Pakistan

The Editors Guild of India on Wednesday (January 14, 2026) called on the governments of India and Pakistan to lift restrictions on news websites and restore access to cross-border journalism.

In its statement here, the Guild acknowledged that there were examples in both countries where the media exceeded the limits of balanced and professional journalism and went overboard with misinformation.

“However, while such perversions and examples of unethical journalism need to be combated more carefully, blocking all access is not the solution,” the guild said. he said.

He said that the blanket ban does not eliminate the facts, but only serves to create an environment of fear and insecurity.

“Such bans are also against the spirit of democracy and freedom of expression,” the statement said.

The Guild said it believes that unhindered access to news, especially among neighboring countries in South Asia, is an important prerequisite for creating an atmosphere of trust and understanding among the peoples and nations of the region.

Unrestricted access to news, views, perspectives and information will help create an informed citizenry, facilitate dialogue and ensure peace in the region.

“The Guild calls on the governments of India and Pakistan to immediately lift these restrictions on news sites and restore access to cross-border journalism,” the statement said.